Japan: English for a shrinking world

[Francis Hult]

Daily Yomiuri Online

 

English for a shrinking world

 

Beyond the language barrier, it is often said that Japanese students, accustomed to a passive learning style, find it difficult to get involved in Western-style classes where positive interaction is expected when they go to study overseas. 

 

"Our real focus here will be developing academic skills--interaction in the classroom, handling more difficult academic tasks, critical thinking," William Gaskill, director of International Programs and the American Language Center (ALC) of UCLA Extension, said in an interview with The Daily Yomiuri when he visited here in December. 

 

Gaskill was in Tokyo in connection with plans to open UCLA Extension's Academic English Program here in April. The program targets high school students and graduates who wish to go to U.S. universities or those who want to gain proficiency in English for the TOEIC and TOEFL tests. 

 

He said the program would be challenging but would provide good classes where teachers and students analyze what they read and do some serious essay writing and rewriting. 

 

Full story:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/language/20080108TDY18003.htm

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